LUCA
I stepped into the kitchen. I didn't think twice. I walked up, pulled Alina close, and kissed her soundly.
I reminded myself that she was my wife, and that she was safe.
Her scent hit me immediately, soft and sweet like lilies. For a second, it felt like every heavy thing sitting on my shoulders lifted.
Maya stretched her arms, begging me to lift her. laughed under my breath, carried her into my arms, pressing a kiss to her soft cheek.
Leo was right behind her, tugging on my pants, saying he wanted up too.
I scooped him up into my other arm, and Alina smiled, the kind of smile that made me forget everything else for a second. Holding the children while we stood together in our kitchen felt surreal and perfect.
Was this what having our own children would feel lik
